The IDEA Publishing
  • HOME
  • Popular IDEAS
    • IDEAS for Your Better Business Life >
      • The Business Idea
      • The Career IDEA
      • The Money Idea
    • IDEAS for Your Better Diversions >
      • The Tech IDEA
      • The Travel IDEA
      • The Auto IDEA
      • The Outdoors IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Better Table >
      • The Food IDEA
      • IDEAS de Cocina Espanola
    • IDEAS for a Better You >
      • The Health IDEA
      • Living Well IDEAS
      • The Fitness IDEA
      • The Beauty IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Happier Home >
      • The Home Idea
      • The Entertaining Idea
      • The Parenting Idea
      • The Senior Living IDEA
      • The Pet IDEA
  • The Video Domain
    • Video IDEAS for Your Better Business Life
  • About
  • Contact
  • ads.txt
The_Entertaining_IDEA
The Entertaining IDEA

The Entertaining IDEA

Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Advice to Make You a Better Host...or Hostess!

Party-Perfect Flavors to Savor with Friends

12/29/2016

Comments

 

Party-Perfect Flavors to Savor with Friends


(Family Features) No matter the occasion, a good host knows that great food is the key to any party. These crowd-pleasing snacks and desserts are the perfect treats to make your gathering just a little sweeter.

Find more party-worthy recipes at Culinary.net.

A Naturally Sweet Party Treat
Easy-to-make Cinnamon Honey Buns are a delicious treat party-goers will adore. Naturally sweetened by the addition of honey, they make for a wonderful addition to any spread. Learn more about the health and flavor benefits of honey, and find delicious recipes, at honey.com.

Cinnamon Honey Buns
Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board
Servings: 12

  • 1/4       cup butter or margarine, softened and divided
  • 1/2       cup honey, divided
  • 1/2       cup chopped, toasted nuts (optional)
  • 2          teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1          pound frozen bread dough, thawed according to package directions
  • 2/3       cup raisins
  1. Grease 12 muffin cups with 1 tablespoon butter.
  2. To prepare honey nut topping: Mix together 1 tablespoon butter, 1/4 cup honey and chopped nuts, if desired. Place 1 teaspoon topping in each muffin cup.
  3. To prepare buns: Mix together remaining butter, remaining honey and cinnamon. Roll out bread dough onto floured surface into 18-by-8-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly over dough. Sprinkle evenly with raisins.
  4. Starting with long side, roll dough into log. Cut log into 12 slices, 1 1/2 inches each. Place one slice, cut-side up, into each prepared muffin cup. Set muffin pan in warm place; let dough rise 30 minutes.
  5. Heat oven to 375° F.
  6. Place muffin pan on foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes, or until buns are golden brown. Remove from oven; cool in pan 5 minutes. Invert muffin pan to remove buns.

An Award-Worthy Snack
Whether you’re gearing up for awards season or spending an evening catching up on your favorite TV drama, there are plenty of small screen events that provide the perfect backdrop for a watch party. Gather your friends and family and get ready to tune in to a fun-filled evening with this delicious snack.

Since no party is complete without a delicious food spread, create finger foods that fit the theme of your viewing party. An iconic option like microwave popcorn is sure to be a crowd-pleaser because of its delicious flavor and versatility. Whether you create an enticing popcorn station with fun mix-ins or prepare mouthwatering snacks like festive Mini Popcorn Balls with Chocolate Fondue, microwave popcorn is always a party pleaser. Use a high-quality gourmet popcorn, such as Orville Redenbacher’s, which is the only leading brand that uses real butter. From buttery to sweet and savory, all varieties feature non-GMO, 100 percent whole-grain kernels that pop up lighter and fluffier than ordinary popcorn.

Pop onto orville.com to find more recipes for your watch party, or look for Orville Redenbacher’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Mini Popcorn Balls with Chocolate ‘Fondue’
Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12

  • 1          bag Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop! 94 Percent Fat-Free Butter Microwave Popcorn
  • nonstick cooking spray
  • 1/4       cup stick butter or margarine (1/4 cup = 1/2 stick)
  • 1          package (10 ounces) marshmallows
  • 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2    cups light chocolate syrup
  • colored candy sprinkles (optional)
  1. Prepare popcorn according to package directions. Remove all un-popped kernels. Spray large bowl with nonstick spray; add popped corn.
  2. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add marshmallows and vanilla. Heat 5 minutes, or until marshmallows melt, stirring frequently. Pour over popcorn; mix well with spoon sprayed with cooking spray. Moisten hands with water before shaping popcorn mixture into 24 small balls, about 1/3-cup popcorn mixture each.
  3. In small saucepan, heat chocolate syrup over medium heat 5 minutes, or until warm, stirring occasionally. Transfer to small, fondue-style pot.
  4. Use wooden skewers or fondue forks to pick up popcorn balls and dip into chocolate and sprinkles, if desired.

An Un-beet-able Dessert
There’s nothing like a colorful dessert to cap off an evening of entertaining. These vibrant cupcakes don't need artificial dyes to give them their red hue. The secret ingredient is beet, which adds coloring and packs fiber, manganese and iron. Find more healthful recipes perfect for any gathering at aicr.org.

Red Velvet Cupcakes
Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research
Servings: 12

  • 1          cup canned beets, drained
  • 1/2       cup reduced-fat buttermilk, divided
  • 1/2       teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4       cup, plus 2 tablespoons, unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 6          tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa, plus 1-2 tablespoons for decorating
  • 1/2       teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2       teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2       teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/3       cup canola oil, chilled
  • 3/4       cup sugar
  • 1          large egg, cold

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 2/3       cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 4          tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese
  • 1/2-1    teaspoon vanilla extract
  1. Heat oven to 350° F. Drop paper liners into 12-cavity muffin pan.
  2. Working knife up and down in measuring cup, coarsely chop beets. Place beets in blender, add 1/4 cup buttermilk and blend until beets are finely chopped. Add remaining buttermilk, vinegar and vanilla and blend to puree. Set beet mixture aside.
  3. In small bowl, combine flour, 6 tablespoons cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt, and set aside.
  4. In medium bowl, combine oil and sugar. With hand mixer on medium speed, mix until sugar is evenly moistened. Add cold egg and beat on high until mixture resembles mayonnaise and sugar is almost completely dissolved, 90 seconds. Add beet mixture and beat until combined. Sift dry ingredients into bowl and mix, either on low speed or by hand until combined with wet ingredients.
  5. Divide batter evenly among lined muffin cups, filling them about two-thirds full.
  6. Bake cupcakes 28-30 minutes, or until tops feel springy. Immediately transfer cupcakes to wire rack and cool completely before frosting.
  7. Ice cupcakes, using about 1 tablespoon frosting for each. Place remaining cocoa in strainer and sprinkle over frosted cupcakes. If desired, let cupcakes sit at room temperature to allow frosting to set, about 2 hours.

Note: Frosted cupcakes can sit at room temperature for up to 12 hours.

To make Cream Cheese Frosting: In small bowl, work sugar and cream cheese together with wooden spoon or hand mixer until combined. Mix in vanilla.

Note: Frosting is best when refrigerated 8 hours or overnight, loosely covered, before using. It keeps in refrigerator 5 days.

Cinnamon Honey Bun photo
(photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Red Velvet Cupcakes photo
(photo courtesy of Getty Images)

SOURCE:
Culinary.net
Comments

Create Lasting Memories with Holiday Meals

12/19/2016

Comments

 

Create Lasting Memories with Holiday Meals


(Family Features) From savory starters and sides to a show-stopping main course, there are so many recipes to choose from this season. The secret to creating those hallmark holiday moments – the ones that leave us with delicious memories – is choosing the right dish.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect recipe for the special holiday meal, an office potluck or a simple snack to warm up with after ice skating, these recipes are an easy way to elevate any moment with tastes you’ll savor for years to come – and leftovers you’ll devour the next day.

“Pork lends itself to a multitude of flavors and preparation methods, making it the perfect protein for any occasion,” said Pamela Johnson, Director of Consumer Communications at the National Pork Board. “You can transform a classic ham with a simple glaze or mix up your starters by adding a nutty, Spanish-inspired sauce to tender pork meatballs – giving those traditional dishes everyone loves a special touch.”

For more holiday recipes, visit PorkBeinspired.com, or try the interactive Pork Be Inspired Facebook bot that provides pork fans with great-tasting recipes. Just visit the Pork Be Inspired Facebook page, open Facebook Messenger and say, “Hi.” The bot will respond by asking questions to help you find the right recipe. You can also uncover more inspiration from the National Pork Board on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

Thyme-Basted Ham with Roasted Grapes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2-2 1/2 hours
Servings: 15-20 (4 ounces each)

  • 1          cooked, bone-in ham (6-8 pounds), trimmed
  • pepper
  • 1/2       cup grape jelly
  • 4          tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into 4-6 pieces
  • 2          tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 3          cups whole grapes (red, green or a combination)
  • 4          shallots, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch slices
  1. Preheat oven to 325° F. Position rack in lower third of oven.
  2. In large shallow roasting pan, place ham flat-side down and score a diamond pattern about 1/8-inch deep into any fat. Season with pepper and bake 1 1/2 hours.
  3. Meanwhile, in small saucepan over medium heat, combine jelly, butter and thyme, whisking occasionally until jelly and butter melt together and mixture comes to gentle boil, 1-2 minutes. Cover and set aside. In medium bowl, combine grapes and shallots. Set aside.
  4. Baste ham with jelly mixture. Continue baking, basting with jelly mixture and/or pan juices about every 15 minutes. When ham’s internal temperature reaches 120° F, add grapes and shallots to roasting pan, stirring to coat with pan juices. Continue baking and basting until internal temperature reaches 140° F, 15-18 minutes per pound. Remove ham from oven, transfer to cutting board and let rest 15-30 minutes. If grapes and shallots aren’t tender yet, return roasting pan to oven.
  5. Slice enough ham to serve and arrange on plates or platter. Season roasted grapes, shallots and pan juice mixture with pepper, and spoon some on top of ham. Serve remaining grape mixture on side.

Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Romesco
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10 (40 meatballs)

  • 1 1/2    pounds lean ground pork
  • vegetable oil, for the baking sheet
  • 3/4       cup plain dried bread crumbs
  • 1          large egg, beaten
  • 2          tablespoons dry sherry (optional)
  • 2          tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1          teaspoon sweet paprika (preferably smoked paprika)
  • 2          garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4       teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 40        red-pepper-stuffed green olives (not large)
  • 40        wooden toothpicks or bamboo cocktail spears, for serving

Romesco Sauce:

  • 1          large garlic clove, crushed under knife, peeled
  • 2          drained, jarred roasted red bell peppers
  • 1/4       cup sliced natural almonds
  • 2          teaspoons sherry or red wine vinegar
  • 1          teaspoon sweet paprika (preferably smoked paprika)
  • 1/2       teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1/4       teaspoon salt
  • 1/3       cup extra-virgin olive oil

To make Romesco Sauce: In food processor, drop garlic through feed tube to mince. Stop machine and add peppers, almonds, vinegar, paprika, oregano and salt. Pulse about 10 times until minced. With processor running, slowly pour oil through feed tube. Transfer to serving bowl. Makes about 1 1/4 cup sauce.

To make meatballs: Preheat oven to 400° F. Lightly oil large rimmed baking sheet. In large bowl, mix bread crumbs, egg, sherry, parsley, paprika, garlic and pepper. Add ground pork and mix thoroughly but gently with hands. Using about 1 tablespoon of meat mixture for each, shape into 40 meatballs. Stuff 1 olive in center of each meatball then completely enclose olive. Arrange meatballs on baking sheet.

Bake meatballs 15 minutes. Turn meatballs over and continue baking until cooked through and browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer meatballs to serving platter. Spear with toothpicks and serve hot with Romesco Sauce for dipping.

Note: Romesco sauce can be covered and refrigerated up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Five-Spice Pork and Apple Salad
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

  • 1          pound pork tenderloin
  • 2          teaspoons Chinese five-spice, divided
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 1/2       teaspoon black pepper
  • 1          Fuji apple or other sweet-tart apple
  • 1/4       red onion
  • 3          tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
  • 2          tablespoons canola oil or other neutral-flavored oil
  • 12        cups mixed greens (about 6 ounces)
  1. Preheat oven to 425° F.
  2. Season tenderloin on all sides with 1 1/2 teaspoons five-spice powder, salt and pepper. Place tenderloin in shallow pan and roast about 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches between 145° F (medium-rare) and 160° F (medium).
  3. While pork is cooking, core and thinly slice apple. Thinly slice onion.
  4. While pork is resting, in large bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil and remaining five-spice powder. Add greens, apple and onion; toss. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, if desired. Arrange salad on plates or platter.
  5. Cut pork into thin slices. Arrange on top of salads and serve.
SOURCE:
National Pork Board
Comments

Prepare Your Home for Holiday Entertaining

12/16/2016

Comments

 

Prepare Your Home for Holiday Entertaining

Section Image

(Family Features) As the holiday season approaches and you’re tasked with hosting family and friends, it can be a little overwhelming to imagine all the work that has to take place for a successful celebration.

However, there’s no reason the host can’t join in the fun. To help keep calm and have your home ready for the party, follow these tips.

Cleaning
More often than not, the first step to readying your home for a house full of guests is to clean. Start by going room to room seeking out trash, recyclables and things that can be stored away – anything to clear up much-needed space. Once the clutter is cleared, work from the top down to clean surfaces, so any dust or debris that hits the floor can be vacuumed or swept neatly away. Remember to steer clear of harsh or highly fragrant chemicals, which may be an irritant to some guests.

Upgrading
Don’t try to sneak by with old appliances this time around. Instead, upgrade your most important resources throughout the house in order to find success when it comes to playing host. For example, swapping out your old, cluttered refrigerator for a Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator with industry-first infinity slide shelves is a useful way to create more space in the kitchen. Its pantry-inspired layout lets families fit and find all their edible favorites. Every section, shelf and bin in the refrigerator was redesigned to deliver smart organization with panoramic shelves and unique features to store 30 percent more than other leading French door bottom mount refrigerators. Perfect for a big shopping run before a party, the refrigerator features dedicated spaces places like the Treasure Bin, Platter Pocket and Small Items Bin to give maximum visibility and easy access when it’s time for the food prep to begin.

Planning
Staying organized and having a precise plan are vital to putting together the perfect night with family and friends. Make sure to nail down the specifics, such as the number of guests, what food will be brought, what needs prepared in advance and what can wait until the big day. Making lists and involving others in the family to help can make a seemingly insurmountable volume of work feel instantly manageable. As you think through your plans, remember to anticipate the unexpected and have an emergency party kit on hand to quickly respond to pitfalls, like spills or broken glass, before they derail the festivities.

Decorating
With all the energy you put into planning and upgrading, don’t overlook the importance of taking time to make your home shine with a creative touch. Go festive with holiday-specific decor or keep it classic with timeless decorations placed throughout the home to make it really sparkle. For close family and friends, consider adding personal touches like mementos of holidays past. Or go with a themed approach with similar colors and textures that you carry throughout the house.

Get Organized for Entertaining
Hosting a holiday gathering is no small feat, but you can get organized ahead of the big day with these entertaining tips.

Set the guest list early: Send out invites in advance. Longer notice allows for you to better gauge who will be attending and how much food you’ll need to make. Rather than waiting to see who shows up and who doesn’t, send out RSVPs via mail or email so that you have a precise idea of how many people to plan for.

Plan the menu ahead of time: From drinks to side dishes to dessert, with special storage spots and industry-first infinity slide shelves, Whirlpool’s French Door Refrigerator allows you to store 30 percent more so you can buy all your groceries in advance. This way you won’t have to worry about running to the store just moments before guests arrive.

Set the table the day before: Organizing where you can, such as setting out plates and silverware in advance, allows you to focus on preparing food and drinks on the day of the party. Unless you’ll be using fresh cut flowers, go ahead and complete the centerpieces and any other decorative touches the night before, as well.

Make a party-night cheat sheet: Keep a checklist nearby so you don’t forget about any of your delicious courses or what tasks need completed throughout the evening. Remember to include items like refreshing the ice bucket and swapping out buffet dishes or appetizer platters periodically.

For more ideas to upgrade your kitchen, visit whirlpool.com.

SOURCE:
Whirlpool
Comments

5 holiday entertaining tips for space and budget conscious hosts

12/15/2016

Comments

 
Picture


(BPT) - The holidays are all about spending time with friends and family, but with the average size of an apartment in the US 8% smaller than 10 years ago (source), many lack a comfortable space of their own to host a party. The good news is this: you don't need ample budget or space to entertain. With some simple tips and inspiration, you can host a holiday gathering that truly embodies the season and creates lasting memories for family and friends.

To create a gathering space for a group of particularly space-challenged folks, New Yorkers, and inspire everyone to savor this holiday season, Marie Callender's(R) is bringing New Yorkers The Dining Room by Marie Callender's: three unique dining rooms that they can reserve to host holiday parties, as if they're in the comfort of their own home. Pictured here, these unique dining rooms were co-created with a different partner, including Jennie Garth, Stacy London and Daphne Oz, in partnership with Celebrity Event Planner Platinum Events.

While you may not be able to dine in The Dining Room by Marie Callender's, you can draw inspiration from the space and create your own unique entertaining experience at home with these five tips.

* Make your dining area feel special. However big your dining space is, keeping it simple and special touches will make the space feel elevated. Start with your serving pieces - using real (non-paper or plastic) plates, silverware and glasses will bring a polish to your meal. Then, keep it simple with the décor and serving presentation. If your guests are eating in the living room, try setting up the food buffet-style in the kitchen to allow more space for your favorite holiday decorations in the living room.

* Create great food without a caterer. Skipping a caterer saves money but not time, so create a menu of low-preparation recipes and lean on high-quality, already-prepared foods, like Marie Callender's frozen meals, pot pies and desserts. You can serve already-prepared dishes alone, or simplify a recipe by using an already-prepared dish, like this Apple Spice Cupcake recipe featuring Marie Callender's Dutch Apple Pie. Simply repurpose the pie filling and turn one dessert into another (tip: this is a great recipe for using up leftover pie...if there is any).

* Decorate smart. Every holiday party sees guests gather in one or two rooms. Whether it's the kitchen, living room or the dining room, spend your decorating time and money in this space, instead of the entire house. Adorning the areas where your guests choose to celebrate will keep everyone in the spirit of the season while controlling your costs as well.

* Establish and embrace the budget. When it comes to hosting a holiday party, let the budget be your guide. Plan your festivities down to the last cheese square and account for everything in your overall budget. The more detailed your budget, the less wiggle room and the easier it will be to stick to. Then, as party day grows closer, adhere to your budget wholeheartedly as it will protect you from any expensive whims.

* Don't go it alone. You don't have to plan your entire party alone. A progressive dinner is a great way to save money and time. One person hosts one or two courses, so, if your apartment is small, offer to host cocktails and leave the big, sit-down meal for someone with more space. Together you'll manage expenses and create a truly memorable party.

To learn more about Marie Callender's and find holiday recipes like the Apple Spice Cupcakes, visit http://www.mariecallendersmeals.com/.




Comments

Entertaining for the Holidays: Thoughtful Gifts

12/15/2016

Comments

 

Thoughtful Gifts

The secret to easy gift-giving

Section Image

(Family Features) When gift-giving has you stumped, turn to what you know: the characteristics and interests that make your recipient unique. A thoughtful gift that shows you recognize and care about the qualities that make your loved one or friend special is a sure winner every time.

For the Adventurer
Trying to match the thrills an adventurer finds in his/her outrageous pursuits can be a challenge, but a certificate toward a thrilling experience may just fit the bill. Whizzing through a zip line course or taking the plunge with a sky diving simulator are two ways to feed the need for adrenaline. With more and more cities adding these pseudo-extreme adventures to their local attraction lists, you can easily find an adrenaline-inducing activity that will excite your loved one. Tuck a gift certificate for the experience into a brochure, and if you find yourself intrigued, make the certificate amount good for an adventure for two.

For the Creative One
For many, adult coloring has become a fun individual or group activity and a creative way to de-stress during the hectic holiday season. As most artists know, the tools you use to create a masterpiece make all the difference, so why not arm your loved ones with the quality tools they need to bring their artwork to life? Help them take their coloring to the next level with the Prismacolor Adult Coloring Kit. Featuring a variety of coloring tools, including professional artist-quality soft core colored pencils, an illustration marker, a premier kneaded eraser, sharpener and a whimsical coloring booklet, this kit has everything adult colorists need. The colored pencils deliver a smooth application, superior blendability, subtle gradation and rich color saturation that will make their coloring pop.

For the Techie
Whether they’re waiting in line at 5 a.m. for the latest gadget release or scoping out the newest trends in tech, finding presents to gift your tech-obsessed friends and family is no easy feat. To determine the type of gift that suits them best, think about other activities they enjoy. For avid runners and fitness buffs, consider a personalized fitness activity tracker or smart watch. On the hunt for a gift for the music lover in your life? Maybe a portable speaker or pair of new headphones would catch their eye. If all else fails, a gift certificate to their favorite store is always a good option.

When it comes to giving meaningful gifts, focus on personal traits and you’ll quickly transform an empty list into one filled with possibilities for making this holiday season joyful and bright.

Family passing out gifts image courtesy of Getty Images.

SOURCE:
Prismacolor
Comments

Create Lasting Memories with Holiday Meals

12/15/2016

Comments

 
Picture

From savory starters and sides to a show-stopping main course, there are so many recipes to choose from this season. The secret to creating those hallmark holiday moments – the ones that leave us with delicious memories – is choosing the right dish, such as Thyme-Basted Ham with Roasted Grapes, Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Romesco or Five-Spice Pork and Apple Salad. ​


Create Lasting Memories with Holiday Meals


(Family Features) From savory starters and sides to a show-stopping main course, there are so many recipes to choose from this season. The secret to creating those hallmark holiday moments – the ones that leave us with delicious memories – is choosing the right dish.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect recipe for the special holiday meal, an office potluck or a simple snack to warm up with after ice skating, these recipes are an easy way to elevate any moment with tastes you’ll savor for years to come – and leftovers you’ll devour the next day.

“Pork lends itself to a multitude of flavors and preparation methods, making it the perfect protein for any occasion,” said Pamela Johnson, Director of Consumer Communications at the National Pork Board. “You can transform a classic ham with a simple glaze or mix up your starters by adding a nutty, Spanish-inspired sauce to tender pork meatballs – giving those traditional dishes everyone loves a special touch.”

For more holiday recipes, visit PorkBeinspired.com, or try the interactive Pork Be Inspired Facebook bot that provides pork fans with great-tasting recipes. Just visit the Pork Be Inspired Facebook page, open Facebook Messenger and say, “Hi.” The bot will respond by asking questions to help you find the right recipe. You can also uncover more inspiration from the National Pork Board on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

Thyme-Basted Ham with Roasted Grapes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2-2 1/2 hours
Servings: 15-20 (4 ounces each)

  • 1          cooked, bone-in ham (6-8 pounds), trimmed
  • pepper
  • 1/2       cup grape jelly
  • 4          tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into 4-6 pieces
  • 2          tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 3          cups whole grapes (red, green or a combination)
  • 4          shallots, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch slices
  1. Preheat oven to 325° F. Position rack in lower third of oven.
  2. In large shallow roasting pan, place ham flat-side down and score a diamond pattern about 1/8-inch deep into any fat. Season with pepper and bake 1 1/2 hours.
  3. Meanwhile, in small saucepan over medium heat, combine jelly, butter and thyme, whisking occasionally until jelly and butter melt together and mixture comes to gentle boil, 1-2 minutes. Cover and set aside. In medium bowl, combine grapes and shallots. Set aside.
  4. Baste ham with jelly mixture. Continue baking, basting with jelly mixture and/or pan juices about every 15 minutes. When ham’s internal temperature reaches 120° F, add grapes and shallots to roasting pan, stirring to coat with pan juices. Continue baking and basting until internal temperature reaches 140° F, 15-18 minutes per pound. Remove ham from oven, transfer to cutting board and let rest 15-30 minutes. If grapes and shallots aren’t tender yet, return roasting pan to oven.
  5. Slice enough ham to serve and arrange on plates or platter. Season roasted grapes, shallots and pan juice mixture with pepper, and spoon some on top of ham. Serve remaining grape mixture on side.

Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Romesco
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10 (40 meatballs)

  • 1 1/2    pounds lean ground pork
  • vegetable oil, for the baking sheet
  • 3/4       cup plain dried bread crumbs
  • 1          large egg, beaten
  • 2          tablespoons dry sherry (optional)
  • 2          tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1          teaspoon sweet paprika (preferably smoked paprika)
  • 2          garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4       teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 40        red-pepper-stuffed green olives (not large)
  • 40        wooden toothpicks or bamboo cocktail spears, for serving

Romesco Sauce:

  • 1          large garlic clove, crushed under knife, peeled
  • 2          drained, jarred roasted red bell peppers
  • 1/4       cup sliced natural almonds
  • 2          teaspoons sherry or red wine vinegar
  • 1          teaspoon sweet paprika (preferably smoked paprika)
  • 1/2       teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1/4       teaspoon salt
  • 1/3       cup extra-virgin olive oil

To make Romesco Sauce: In food processor, drop garlic through feed tube to mince. Stop machine and add peppers, almonds, vinegar, paprika, oregano and salt. Pulse about 10 times until minced. With processor running, slowly pour oil through feed tube. Transfer to serving bowl. Makes about 1 1/4 cup sauce.

To make meatballs: Preheat oven to 400° F. Lightly oil large rimmed baking sheet. In large bowl, mix bread crumbs, egg, sherry, parsley, paprika, garlic and pepper. Add ground pork and mix thoroughly but gently with hands. Using about 1 tablespoon of meat mixture for each, shape into 40 meatballs. Stuff 1 olive in center of each meatball then completely enclose olive. Arrange meatballs on baking sheet.

Bake meatballs 15 minutes. Turn meatballs over and continue baking until cooked through and browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer meatballs to serving platter. Spear with toothpicks and serve hot with Romesco Sauce for dipping.

Note: Romesco sauce can be covered and refrigerated up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Five-Spice Pork and Apple Salad
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

  • 1          pound pork tenderloin
  • 2          teaspoons Chinese five-spice, divided
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 1/2       teaspoon black pepper
  • 1          Fuji apple or other sweet-tart apple
  • 1/4       red onion
  • 3          tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
  • 2          tablespoons canola oil or other neutral-flavored oil
  • 12        cups mixed greens (about 6 ounces)
  1. Preheat oven to 425° F.
  2. Season tenderloin on all sides with 1 1/2 teaspoons five-spice powder, salt and pepper. Place tenderloin in shallow pan and roast about 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches between 145° F (medium-rare) and 160° F (medium).
  3. While pork is cooking, core and thinly slice apple. Thinly slice onion.
  4. While pork is resting, in large bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil and remaining five-spice powder. Add greens, apple and onion; toss. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, if desired. Arrange salad on plates or platter.
  5. Cut pork into thin slices. Arrange on top of salads and serve.
SOURCE:
National Pork Board

  • cooking
  • easy recipes
  • Family Features
  • family gatherings
  • ham
  • holiday
  • holidays
  • holiday season
  • pork
  • recipe
Comments

Make brunch 'eggs-citing'

12/10/2016

Comments

 
Picture


(BPT) - Eggs, they're the superstars of your fridge.

Delicious on their own, or the perfect addition to a salad, skillet or even breakfast tacos, their versatility makes the possibilities truly endless.

And as families today are choosing fresher, unique ingredients to inspire their own ethnic dishes at home, eggs are a perfect choice.

They are especially prevalent in Hispanic cuisine - and are a celebrated ingredient in a variety of Latin dishes from around the world, such as traditional Spanish flan, to Brazilian feijão tropeiro to Mexican huevos rancheros. It's no surprise that eggs pair beautifully with the brightly-colored, bold ingredients often found in Latino cuisine.

While these beloved egg-tastic dishes celebrate a vibrant culture, they also deliver high quality protein - 6 grams in one large egg!

These perfect little protein powerhouses are an inexpensive, nutrient-dense, and tasty way to start off your weekday routine. And with the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans removing the daily cholesterol limits and recommending eggs in all healthy eating patterns, people can feel good about including them in their diet.

This pair of surprisingly simple recipes will take your repertoire to a new level. The Chilaquiles with Fried Eggs are served up with a rich tomato sauce, making this dish special enough for brunch with company, while delivering a heartiness that will satisfy any dinner appetite. The Huevos Divorciados is one of those effortless entrees that require common pantry ingredients, but deliver big, bold flavor.

Explore more tasty ways to serve up eggs with these recipes and more from the American Egg Board at incredibleegg.org.

Chilaquiles with Fried Eggs

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon canola oil, divided
2 1/2 teaspoons Tex Mex spice blend, divided
8 small corn tortillas, each cut into 6 wedges
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
3 small garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 seeded finely chopped small jalapeno pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon finely chopped canned chipotle chilies in adobo
4 cups chopped tomatoes
2 teaspoons butter
4 large eggs
Salt and pepper (optional)
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:
1. Stir 2 teaspoons oil with 1/2 teaspoon of Tex Mex Spice Blend. Toss tortilla wedges with oil mixture and bake in a single layer on a large baking sheet in preheated 400 degrees oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until crispy. Remove from oven and set aside at room temperature.
2. Heat remaining oil in a large, deep nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Cook onion, garlic, jalapeno and salt for 5 minutes, stirring often, or until softened. Stir in chipotles and remaining Tex Mex spice blend for 1 minute or until combined. Add tomatoes; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until slightly thickened. (Prepare eggs during the last 5 to 10 minutes of simmering time.)
3. For sunny-side up, over-easy or over-hard eggs, heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just melted. Break eggs and slip into skillet 1 at a time. Immediately reduce heat to low.
4. Cook eggs about 5 minutes or until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard. Serve as is or flip eggs carefully with turner and cook second side to desired doneness. Sprinkle eggs lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
5. Stir reserved tortilla wedges into warm tomato sauce and divide evenly over 4 dinner plates. Top each tortilla with 1 fried egg and equal amounts of feta and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Variations:
* Prepare recipe with queso fresco instead of the feta cheese. Omit jalapeno from tomato sauce and garnish finished chilaquiles with chopped pickled jalapeno peppers.
* Skip baking step by using 8 small corn tostadas that are approximately the same size as small corn tortillas. Coarsely break the tostadas into pieces and simply stir into tomato sauce before assembling and serving.

Huevos Divorciados

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
8 small corn tortillas
2 cups prepared refried pinto beans, warmed
1/2 cup tomatillo or green salsa
1/2 cup tomato or red salsa
4 teaspoons butter, divided
8 large eggs
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:
1. Bake tortillas in a single layer on a large baking sheet in preheated 400-degree oven for 7 to 10 minutes or until crispy.
2. For sunny-side up, over-easy or over-hard eggs: heat half the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just melted. Break 4 eggs and slip into skillet one at a time. Immediately reduce heat to low.
3. Cook eggs about 5 minutes or until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard. Serve as is or flip eggs carefully with turner and cook second side to desired doneness. Sprinkle eggs lightly with salt and pepper if desired. (Repeat method with remaining butter and 4 eggs, or prepare all 8 at once in 2 large nonstick skillets or on one large flat griddle.)
4. Spread warm refried beans evenly over tortillas. Spoon tomatillo salsa over half the tortillas and tomato salsa over remaining half. Top each tortilla with 1 fried egg. Transfer one of each salsa-topped tortilla to 4 dinner plates and garnish evenly with red onion and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Variations
* Mix 1/4 cup regular sour cream or light sour cream with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice for drizzling over finished huevos divorciados. Or garnish with chopped avocado and lime wedges.
* Prepare recipe with refried black beans instead of the pinto beans if desired.

- Source: American Egg Board
Comments

Holiday Entertaining: A Festive Cocktail for Every Gathering

12/10/2016

Comments

 

With shorter days and colder weather comes longer nights to warm up and celebrate – and this season is the perfect time to gather around and make memories. Celebrations are best with family, friends and food, and no celebration is complete without an enjoyable cocktail like this Milk Punch recipe.


A Festive Cocktail for Every Gathering

Try this delicious, wholesome beverage made with milk

(Family Features) With shorter days and colder weather comes longer nights to warm up and celebrate – and this season is the perfect time to gather around and make memories. Whether you’re getting together with family or throwing a party with friends, the festivities are sure to be merry and bright.

The warmest greetings of the season are those that bring people together. Celebrations are best with family, friends and food, and no celebration is complete without an enjoyable cocktail.  Keep things simple this year with this delicious Milk Punch recipe.

A festive twist on a classic New Orleans-style cocktail, this drink is made with milk – one of the original farm-to-table foods – and is a perfect addition to any seasonal menu. When you use milk as the base of your cocktails, you can be sure you’re serving a wholesome, quality beverage that will impress your guests so you can relax and enjoy the celebration too.

Spread cheer in every sip with this Milk Punch recipe. Garnished with nutmeg and served hot or cold, this cocktail can bring life to any gathering this season. For more seasonal inspiration and recipe ideas, visit milklife.com.

Milk Punch Two Ways
Recipe courtesy of Emily Caruso of Jelly Toast
Makes: 1 cocktail

  • 6          ounces reduced fat milk
  • 1          ounce bourbon
  • 1/2       ounce white rum
  • 1 1/2    teaspoons maple syrup
  • 1/4       teaspoons vanilla extract
  • pinch of grated nutmeg, for garnish
  1. To Make Iced: Fill Boston cocktail shaker or mixing pitcher with ice. Add milk, bourbon, rum, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir 10 seconds, or until chilled and cocktail shaker is frosty. Strain into high-ball glass filled with ice cubes. Top with freshly grated nutmeg and serve.
  2. To Make Hot: Pour milk into small saucepan set over low heat. Heat gently until hot, but not boiling. Remove from heat and whisk briefly until milk is slightly frothy.
  3. Pour bourbon, rum, maple syrup and vanilla extract into mug. Add hot milk, top with grated nutmeg and serve.

Nutritional information per serving: 220 calories; 4 g fat; 2.5 g saturated fat; 15 mg cholesterol; 6 g protein;  16 g carbohydrates; 0 g fiber; 90 mg sodium; 236 mg calcium (25% of daily value). Nutrition figures based on using reduced fat milk.

SOURCE:
MilkPEP

Comments
<<Previous



    Archives

    January 2021
    August 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016


    Interested in Publishing on The Entertaining Idea?
    Send your query to the Publisher today!

    Categories

    All
    Activities
    Additction
    Advice
    Africa
    African
    Agg Dish
    Alcholic Beverages
    Alcohol
    Alcoholic
    Alcoholic Beverages
    Ancestry
    Anxiety
    Anxious
    Appetizer Recipe
    Appetizers
    Apps
    Audio
    Autumn
    Baby Shower
    Backyard
    Bad Weather
    Barbecue
    BBQ
    Beach
    Beach Wedding
    Beef
    Beer
    Beers
    Beverages
    Big Screen
    Blush
    Bonfire
    BPT
    Brandpoint
    Brandpoint Content
    Breakfast
    Breast Cancer
    Bridal
    Bride
    Brides
    Bridesmaids
    Brisket
    Brunch
    Budget
    Cabernet Sauvignon
    Cake
    Cats
    Cause
    Celebration
    Centerpiece
    Centerpieces
    Ceremonies
    Chairs
    Chicken
    Children
    Chile
    Chili
    Chips
    Choices
    Christmas
    Clean
    Cleaning
    Cleanup
    Cocktails
    Cold
    Cold Drinks
    College Football
    Color
    Colors
    Comfort
    Condiments
    Cooking
    COVID
    COVID19
    Craft Beer
    Creativity
    Crystal
    Cupcakes
    Decor
    Décor
    Decorating
    Depression
    Dessert
    Dessert Recipes
    Desserts
    Diet
    Dining
    Dips
    Dishes
    Dogs
    Drink
    Drinking
    Drink Recipes
    Drinks
    Easter
    Easy Recipes
    Eating
    Eggs
    Elements
    Engagement
    Entertain
    Entertaining
    Entertainment
    Entree
    Ethnic Cuisine
    Ethnic Foods
    Ethnic Recipe
    Event Planning
    Expert
    Fall
    Family
    Family Features
    Family Gatherings
    Female
    Finger Foods
    Fire
    Fish
    Flavor
    Flavors
    Flowers
    Food
    Football
    Friends
    Fruit
    Furniture
    Game
    Gameday
    Game Day
    Games
    Gaming
    Garden
    Gathering
    Gifting
    Gifts
    Glassware
    Gourmet
    Gradening
    Graduation
    Grill
    Grilling
    Grocery Store
    Groom
    Grooms
    Guest
    Guests
    Guys
    Hacks
    Halloween
    Ham
    Health
    Healthy Eating
    Healthy Living
    Heat
    Hibernate
    Hibernating
    Holiday
    Holiday Party
    Holidays
    Holiday Season
    Home
    Homebrew
    Homebrewing
    Home Improvement
    Host
    Hostess
    Hosting
    Imports
    Ingredients
    Insects
    Invitations
    Italian
    Kids
    Kitchen
    Leftovers
    Lifehacks
    Light
    Lighting
    Lights
    Lime
    Main Course
    Main Dish
    Male Bonding
    Marriage
    Meal Prep
    Meals
    Meat
    Medium
    Menu
    Menu Planning
    Merlot
    Mexican Food
    Mojito
    Money
    Mood
    Morning
    Motif
    Movie
    Movies
    Music
    News
    New Years
    NFL
    Orange
    Organization
    Outdoor Activities
    Outdoor Dining
    Outdoor Furniture
    Outdoors
    Outdoor Wedding
    Paint
    Painting
    Pairing
    Pairings
    Parties
    Party
    Patio
    Picnic
    Planning
    Playlist
    Pork
    Pork Recipes
    Prep
    Preparation
    Presents
    Prevention
    Pro Football
    Project
    Projection
    Projector
    Prosecco
    Reception
    Recipe
    Recipes
    Recovery
    Red Wine
    Refreshment
    Refreshments
    Registry
    Relationships
    Relaxation
    Rentals
    Ribs
    Rice
    Rose
    Sadness
    Safety
    Salads
    Sauce
    Sauces
    Savings
    Screen
    Season
    Seasonal
    Seating
    Serving
    Shopping
    Shopping List
    Shrimp
    Sliders
    Smarthome
    Snacking
    Snacks
    Snack Table
    Social
    Social Media
    Software
    Sommelier
    Sound
    Spice
    Spicy
    Sports
    Stadium
    Stadium Seating
    Steak
    Stress
    Stressors
    Summer
    Super Bowl
    Tabasco
    Table
    Tableware
    Tailgate
    Tailgating
    Tech
    Technology
    Television
    Tenderloin
    Thanksgiving
    Tips
    Toast
    Traditions
    Turkey
    TV
    Vacation
    Vegetarian
    Venison
    View
    Viewing
    Watch Party
    Weather
    Website
    Wedding
    Wedding Dress
    Wedding Guests
    Wedding Magazines
    Wedding Planners
    Wedding Planning
    Wedding Registery
    Weddings
    Weekend
    Wellness
    White Wine
    Wild Game
    Wine
    Wines
    Wings
    Winter
    Women
    Wrapping
    Xmas
    Zinfandel






    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • HOME
  • Popular IDEAS
    • IDEAS for Your Better Business Life >
      • The Business Idea
      • The Career IDEA
      • The Money Idea
    • IDEAS for Your Better Diversions >
      • The Tech IDEA
      • The Travel IDEA
      • The Auto IDEA
      • The Outdoors IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Better Table >
      • The Food IDEA
      • IDEAS de Cocina Espanola
    • IDEAS for a Better You >
      • The Health IDEA
      • Living Well IDEAS
      • The Fitness IDEA
      • The Beauty IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Happier Home >
      • The Home Idea
      • The Entertaining Idea
      • The Parenting Idea
      • The Senior Living IDEA
      • The Pet IDEA
  • The Video Domain
    • Video IDEAS for Your Better Business Life
  • About
  • Contact
  • ads.txt